Unconfirmed local reports stated that as many as 50 could have
been injured in the city, which is considered a commercial hub.
While one emergency serviceman has suffered complications
resulting from smoke inhalation, no deaths have yet been
reported.

Initial reports regarding the disaster were of an explosion
taking place in a chipboard and oil storage facility. However,
these were later changed to state that there had been no
explosion. The city's bureau of public relations and foreign
affairs later stated that early unofficial information regarding
the possibility of high numbers of deaths had been false.

The blaze engulfed the city in a cloud of smoke. Roads leading to
the site of the fire within a 2km radius have been closed off and
people evacuated, according to the semi-official Fars news
agency.

It could still be two to three hours before the fire is subdued,
according to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA). Despite
the efforts of firefighters, the situation is not yet under
control. Local media has suggested that a nearby oil depot could
be at risk.

Relief agencies such as the Red Cross as well as the military are
on the scene, reported ISNA.

Qazvin has a population of some 1.1 million people, and was an
ancient capital of Persia. The city is located 130 km northwest
of Iran’s capital, Tehran.